Absalom's Rebellion Against David
David's beloved son Absalom conspires to steal the kingdom, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. The rebellion ends tragically with Absalom's death and David's heartbroken lament.
2 Samuel 15:1-37, 2 Samuel 16:1-23, 2 Samuel 17:1-29, 2 Samuel 18:1-33
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The Story
Absalom, David's son, was charismatic and beautiful—'from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.' But beneath his outward beauty festered ambition and bitterness. For four years, he systematically stole the hearts of Israel, standing at the city gate, intercepting those seeking the king's judgment, and suggesting he would give them better justice. When his conspiracy ripened, Absalom went to Hebron and proclaimed himself king. David received devastating news: 'The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.' The aging king, perhaps remembering Nathan's prophecy that evil would rise from his own house, fled Jerusalem with his household and mighty men. It was a procession of sorrow—David went up the Mount of Olives barefoot, his head covered, weeping. When told that his trusted counselor Ahithophel had joined Absalom, David prayed, 'O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.' God answered by positioning Hushai as a counter-spy in Absalom's court. Ahithophel counseled immediate pursuit of David while he was weary; Hushai advised gathering all Israel for overwhelming force. Absalom chose Hushai's flattering but foolish counsel, giving David time to cross Jordan and prepare. The battle came in the wood of Ephraim. David commanded his captains, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.' But when Absalom's mule passed under a thick oak, his abundant hair caught in the branches, leaving him suspended between heaven and earth. Joab, despite David's orders, thrust three darts through Absalom's heart. News of victory brought David no joy. His cry echoed through the chambers: 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!' The price of sin and family dysfunction had come due.
When David's Son Turned Against Him
Kids Version
King David had a son named Absalom who was very handsome and very proud. Absalom was angry with his father and wanted to be king himself, so he came up with a sneaky plan. Every day, Absalom would stand by the city gate where people came to see the king about their problems. He would talk to them and say things like, 'If I were king, I would help you right away! Your problem is important, but the king is too busy to see you.' He did this for four years, and slowly the people started to like Absalom more than King David. Finally, Absalom declared himself king in another city! When David heard the news, his heart broke. His own son was trying to take his kingdom! David had to run away from Jerusalem to save his life. He and his loyal friends walked out of the city, and David was crying. He walked barefoot up the mountain with his head covered in sadness. Some people stayed loyal to David and helped him. A wise man named Hushai pretended to join Absalom but was really a spy for David. Absalom had an advisor named Ahithophel who gave good advice—he said, 'Chase David now while he's tired!' But Hushai gave different advice: 'Wait and gather a huge army first.' Absalom listened to Hushai, which gave David time to get ready. Soon there was a big battle. David told his soldiers, 'Please don't hurt Absalom. He's still my son.' But during the battle, Absalom was riding his mule under a tree when his long, thick hair got caught in the branches! He was hanging there when Joab, David's general, found him and killed him. When David heard that Absalom was dead, he didn't celebrate winning. Instead, he cried and cried. 'O my son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you!' David's heart was completely broken.
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Scripture — 2 Samuel 15:1-37 (KJV)
1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. came: Heb. to come
3And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. there: or, none will hear thee from the king downward
4Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
8For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.
9And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
10But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
11And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
12And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. bring: Heb. thrust
15And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. appoint: Heb. choose
16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house. after: Heb. at his feet
17And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off .
18And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
19Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
20Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. go up: Heb. wander in going
21And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
23And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. Kidron: Gr. Cedron
24And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
25And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
26But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
27The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
29Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
30And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. and wept: Heb. going up and weeping
31And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
32And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
33Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
34But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
35And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.
37So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
Memory Verse
“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.”
— 2 Samuel 15:1 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Absalom's Rebellion Against David” in the Bible?
David's beloved son Absalom conspires to steal the kingdom, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. The rebellion ends tragically with Absalom's death and David's heartbroken lament. This story is found in 2 Samuel 15:1-37, 2 Samuel 16:1-23, 2 Samuel 17:1-29, 2 Samuel 18:1-33.
Where is “Absalom's Rebellion Against David” found in the Bible?
“Absalom's Rebellion Against David” is found in 2 Samuel 15:1-37, 2 Samuel 16:1-23, 2 Samuel 17:1-29, 2 Samuel 18:1-33, in the book of 2 Samuel.
What can children learn from “Absalom's Rebellion Against David”?
This story teaches children about Consequences of family dysfunction, Political conspiracy, Loyalty and betrayal, God's providence, Parental love and grief. David's son Absalom wanted to be king so badly that he led an army against his own father. It ended very sadly for everyone.